Want a “spring” in your step before Spring actually arrives?

The Cambridge Dictionary describes “a spring in your step” as “walking energetically in a way that shows you are feeling happy and confident.” But with wintry weather keeping us from hopping cheerfully out of our warm beds each morning (let alone walking energetically!), many of us are battling the winter blues. Can you believe it’s even happening in Southern California? We’ve had an unseasonably cold and rainy winter! Who’s ready to feel “Spring-y” in this last (long) week of winter?

Let’s bask in the Son now! After all, Jesus is our “sun and shield” (Psalm 84:11), our “bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16), and “the light of the world” (John 8:12). I’m praying these truths over you right now!

Here are 4 ways we can rely on Jesus to put a spring in our step:

1) Turn your attention to what God is doing.

“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth." COLOSSIANS 3:2

There are many things to look at each day, most of which can slow our pace. A long scroll on social media can be discouraging. A too-close gaze at politics can be troubling. And a critical eye at those not like us can also be very damaging.

Yes, it’s natural to look every which way throughout the day. But like Moses, who “was amazed at the sight and went to take a closer look” after hearing God’s call from the burning bush, let’s also save our “closer looks” for the things God is doing around us and through us. And, open your Bible and see what He wants to share with you.

2) Focus on refreshing others first.

“. . . whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” PROVERBS 11:25B

There’s a lot of “take care of you” advice out there. It’s not a bad thing. After all, a handful of veggies and a mani-pedi can do wonders! But looking at Jesus, at how everything He did was to the benefit of those in need, we can trust His call to “wash another’s feet” and to “love our neighbors” will only refresh us, not deplete us and fill us, not empty us.

3-Spend time with Him.

“After sending them home, he [Jesus] went up into the hills by himself to pray.” MATTHEW 14:23A NLT

We need to be filled by God to function at our fullest capacity. I recently heard a pastor talk about where he gets refilled by God. For Him it’s a long drive while listening to worship music. For me it is sitting in silence with Him at the beach. Where do you go when you need God to settle your soul and fill you up? We talk a ton about being in God’s Word around here, but what about just “being” with Him?

4) Find your identity in Christ, not in what you do for Him.  

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." LUKE 10:20

Jesus had sent His disciples on a trainee mission of sorts. When they returned, they were overjoyed by everything they did for Him. Even though Jesus assured them—yes, I have given you all authority to do such things—He wanted their joy to flow from the fact their sins are forgiven and their names are written in heaven.  

We often wrap ourselves up so tightly in our successes—in our fruitfulness—we build our identity around what we do for Jesus, rather than who we are in Jesus. Instead of relying on our good deeds to keep that spring in our step, let’s rely on God’s goodness.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
COLOSSIANS 3:2

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Floret Flower